Descriptive List 



51 



The Brown Pelican is in appearance by far the most conspicuous summer bird 

 of our coast. Being over four feet in length, and with an expanse of wings of six 

 and one-half feet, it presents an object attracting the attention of the most casual 

 observer. When fishing, the Brown Pelican flies slowly along at an altitude of 

 from twenty to thirty feet, and dives for its prey with a heavy splash. Below the 

 bill hangs a pouch capable of holding, when fully distended, about four gallons of 

 water. Into this capacious receptacle are gathered the unfortunate fish which go 

 to make up a Pelican's dinner. Without rising from the sea, the bird forces the 





Fig. 30. Bkown Pelican. 



water from its mouth by contracting the pouch, and, with bill pointed upward at 

 a sharp angle, the fish are forced downward. Fish weighing two or three pounds 

 are said to be eaten bj' this bird, but usually smaller ones are chosen. Our Pelican 

 often goes fishing by himself; but at times, when tlic run of fish is good, a number 

 of l:)irds may be seen engaged in securing their livelihood in the same neighborhood. 

 During flight from one resting or feeding ground to another they often go in flocks 

 of from four to a dozen birds. They proceed low over the water, their wing-tips 

 almost touching the rolling waves. After sailing a short distance, the leader slightly 

 rises in order to avoid striking the water, and vigorously flaps his wings for several 



